When training gamefowl for an upcoming fight, a holistic approach or program must be taken. That means aside from physical training and nutrition, they also need to undergo regular bacterial flushing during the conditioning period.
Here, we’ll discuss the basics of bacterial flushing, its benefits and how often it should be done.
What is bacterial flushing?
Bacterial flushing is an important part of a gamefowl’s training and conditioning program, as well as the mating process. As the name implies, it is the process of flushing out harmful bacteria in your fowl by giving them a prescribed dosage of antibiotic periodically. Similar to delousing and deworming, bacterial flushing is usually done in the first stages of conditioning.
Why is bacterial flushing important?
Bacteria, lice, worms, and other similar parasites are considered to be gamefowls’ worst enemies; some even say they are more formidable opponents than the ones they face in the pit.
Hence, bacterial flushing eliminates the bacteria that puts gamefowl at risk for harmful diseases that can affect their health and performance. Also by getting rid of unwanted bacteria, you ensure that the birds are able to properly absorb all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and perform well in the pit.
This process also helps achieve overall farm health. The Philippines is a hot and humid country where bacterial and viral diseases among gamefowl are very common. Aside from having a vaccination program and farm disinfection routine, regular bacterial flushing also helps combat both respiratory and intestinal diseases among gamefowl who are regularly exposed to each other during training.
The bacterial flushing process
Bacterial flushing is done every month in the farm. For the conditioning period, it will help the gamefowls as they start conditioning for the fight.
Take note of these bacterial flushing tips:
-
Do antibiotic flushing with Vetracin Gold Capsule or Baxidil
Caplet.
- Vetracin Gold Capsule has tiamulin and doxycycline that work hand in hand against respiratory infections which are non-responsive to other antibiotics. It has low bacterial resistance, or up to 90% sensitivity against bacteria causing respiratory problems in fighting cocks. For fighting cocks, give 1 capsule per 2 kg body weight for 5 to 7 days.
- Baxidil SE contains sulfadimethoxine and trimethoprim, and is effective against coccidiosis, fowl cholera, infectious coryza and colibacillosis in poultry and fighting cocks. For gamefowl, dissolve 1 tsp (3 grams) per gallon of drinking water from 15 to 30 days of age. Administer through the drinking water during the day and give fresh water at night.
- Inject bird with Bexan XP Injectable, which contains high levels of B-complex vitamins for optimum muscle development and better nutrient utilization. It is also fortified with liver extract for blood maturation resulting in a reddened face, comb and wattle, and folic acid for alertness and gameness during actual fights. During the conditioning period, administer 0.5ml, deep intramuscular once a week. For pre-conditioning, 0.25ml, deep intramuscular 2x a week or as indicated.
- Bathe gamefowl with medicated shampoo to remove harmful external parasites.
- Consult with your veterinarian regularly for proper ways to care for your gamefowl’s health.
Sources:
http://www.sabong.net.ph/forum/showthread.php?33913-What-Is-Bacterial-Flushing
